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Minister Killeen visits Kickham Barracks in Clonmel.

The Minister for Defence, Mr. Tony Killeen TD, today (Tuesday 26th October 2010) paid his first official visit to Kickham Barracks, Clonmel.

On arrival at Kickham Barracks, the Minister was greeted by the Deputy Chief of Staff Support, Major General Dave Ashe and the General Officer Commanding the Southern Brigade, Brigadier General Paul Pakenham.

Minister Killeen reviewed a Guard of Honour of members of the 12th Infantry Battalion and was briefed by senior military personnel and shown around the facilities at the Barracks. The Minister also had the opportunity to observe some members of the Defence Forces who were involved in a training exercise and to meet with members of the 12th Infantry Battalion and members of the Reserve Defence Forces who are based at the Barracks.

Speaking during the visit the Minister said “The personnel at Kickham Barracks have made and continue to make an important and positive contribution to the tasks performed by the Southern Brigade. In addition, the troops serving in Clonmel have assisted the local community on many occasions by providing emergency assistance in an effort to alleviate the problems caused by adverse weather conditions. I would like today to take this opportunity to thank them and pay tribute to them for their outstanding work.”

The Barracks is named after Charles J. Kickham a prominent Fenian and author of the famous novel “Knocknagow”. The Barracks date back to the end of the18th century and covers approxiately 11 acres. During the War of Independence much of the Barracks was burned. It was reoccupied in 1941, having been handed over to the OPW, and reconstruction commenced. The work was completed in 1945 and the Barracks was renamed Kickham Barracks.

Kickham Barracks continues to enjoy a long and historic association with the town of Clonmel and surrounding districts and is involved in various community activities. On 3rd October 2010 a memorial service was held to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the death of CS Felix Grant who was the first Irish soldier to die on UN service in the Congo. Members of CS Grant’s family and many of his former comrades from the 33rd Infantry Battalion attended the service with local TDs and dignitaries.

ENDS

For further information please contact: Derval Monahan Press Adviser to Minister Killeen, Department of Defence, on Mobile + 353876781608 or Department of Defence Press Office (01) 804 2108 or Press Office Mobile +365387234 0397.

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